The two-day state tax holiday begins today and is aimed at helping small businesses recover, and Bastrop stores are ready for a crowd of back-to-school shoppers and savers.

Cheryl Smith, owner of the Silver Spur, said not only is there going to be no state-tax this weekend at her store, but she is also “picking-up” the parish tax as well.

“We have got a lot of sales especially for the tax-free weekend,” she said. “We put up a back-to-school and summer clearance sale and we are hoping for a crowd.

“We did really good last year during the tax-free weekend.”

Shoppers can make purchases this weekend without having to pay the 4 percent state sales-tax.

The exemption applies to the first $2,500 of purchase price for each eligible item.

However, the tax exemption does not apply to services, meals and vehicles.

Many stores have also extended there hours of operation in expectation of a crowd of back-to-school shoppers.

Cindy Hamby, Rue 21 store manager, said they have extended hours at the store and are hoping for a crowd of shoppers.

“We are hoping for a big crowd,” she said. “We have special sales for this weekend and extended our store hours.”

Stage has also extended hours for the tax holiday.

Kaylie Bennett, Stage’s store manager, said last year they did exceptionally well at this time.

“Our back-to school sales are awesome this year and we have extended our hours for the shoppers,” she said. “I am thinking we will have a crowd since school is getting ready to start and the tax-free weekend. Last year we did around $5,000 in sales on Friday and $7,000 on Saturday.”